Choosing your wedding dress is one of the moments of wedding planning that truly brings the wedding to life. It is an emotional and beautiful moment, and one that you should relish. Unfortunately, it can also be a stressful time as dresses can be expensive and it can be hard to find the right dress for your body type. Here are some helpful tips to make the experience one of joy rather than one of stress:
1. Set your appointment up in the morning before a rush of brides has taken the energy out of your gown consultant and while you’re feeling positive and energetic.
2. Know what silhouette will suit your body shape best and focus your attention on those gowns.
Pear Shape: Look at dresses that have a gradual flare that highlights your narrower waist and floats gently away from hips and thighs. Look at duchesse satin and taffeta which won’t cling and consider necklines that highlight your more slender upper body. Plus these dresses work double duty as perfect for both formal gowns and country chic apparel.
Apple Shape: Dresses that cinch at the waist and then flare out into an A shape is best, especially if they have a lot of texture. Go for a deep V neckline to help make you appear taller and avoid trumpet shaped dresses as they are tight where you’ll want them loose and loose where you are most slender.
Plus-sized: Go for a dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows onto the floor. Avoid gathering over the stomach as this can draw attention to a larger stomach. Go for structure over loose, too loose and you’ll feel as though your dress adds pounds rather than detracting from them. If you want a gauzy affect add an airer fabric over a stiff base!
Busty: Sweetheart necklines were made for women that have an abundance in the bust area. This sort of neckline opens up the face, drawing attention upwards and away from the chest area. If you like sleeveless gowns go for those with a slight dip, not one cut straight across and avoid shiny fabrics or dresses that are gathered at the bust line.
Tall: Simplicity is best for those with height, and you should go for a silhouette that accents your height. Be proud of it! Go for sleeves that are a little on the long side, for plunging necklines and hems that sweep the floor!
Straight-lined: Those with a straight-lined body will want a dress that creates curves for them. Wispy dresses cut on the bias or those that cinch at the waist are best. Plus, you definitely want to look at gathering to give the impression that your curves are more prominent.
Petite: Go for the trumpet and sheath gowns with a high waistline as these will make you look taller. Use smaller details, but feel free to go for high-sheen fabrics and avoid ball gowns as petite women can get lost in all the skirting.
Small Chested: You will want to go for dresses that have gathered or ruched bodices that give the illusion of a fuller chest. Bear in mind that because many gowns are now strapless the right bra can be a challenge to find so you may want to invest in a pair of adhesive silicon bra cups.
3. While you’re thinking about your dress, focus on the area from your waist up as that’s what most of your guests will focus on and where most of your pictures will focus as well.
4. Don’t pick your dress based on trends, but on timeless. Go with a style that you’ll be able to wear down the road or pass on to your children when it’s time for them to get married. Pick a dress and a style that suit you for as long as your marriage will last, not just for the day it will be used.
5. Take pictures when you are able. While some boutiques won’t allow it, if they do you should bring a camera and get pictures of you in the gowns to look back at later. And don’t buy impulsively! Go home and look at your pictures. Remember, a mirror can lie, but a camera won’t!
6. Take your time and try on as many dresses as you need to. How a dress looks on the hangar doesn’t translate to how it looks on your body. But by the same token, don’t try on too many dresses or feel like you should try on a bunch of different dresses at a particular salon. Go with your gut! If you don’t feel like a boutique will have what you’re looking for after a dress or two then go ahead and leave!
7. Ignore dress sizes. Wedding dresses run two or three sizes larger than regular clothes, and remember you’ll be able to get them altered later. However, it is important to make sure that you’re wearing well-fitting undergarments, like a good bra. These things change the shape of your body a little and can affect the way a dress hangs!
8. Ask questions about your dress and the activities you’ll be doing in it. Will it work for your beach wedding? Are you planning any activities that may require a shorter skirt? All these things will need to be taken into consideration when looking at dresses!
9. Don’t look at dresses that are outside your budget. Don’t even entertain trying them on. Remember that your dress, accessories and undergarments are 10% of your overall budget and that cost also has to include alterations and shipping fees! By only looking at dresses within your budget you’ll resist the urge to over spend and have to cut money somewhere else!
10. Despite popular media opinion, shopping for your dress isn’t necessarily the best time to bring all your gal pals. Dress shopping should be joyous, but it can also be a bit stressful when you have a bunch of voices shouting their opinions. Bring one or two close friends or relatives and keep the gathering small, helpful and focused.
Following these tips will help make shopping and looking for your wedding dress a breeze. Remember to get your dress purchased as close to the nine month mark as you possibly can so that you have plenty of time for alterations and re-sizings as necessary. And don’t forget your accessories!